Washington (CNN) – As the Republican presidential primary race continues its slow march out of the gate, a new poll suggests likely GOP voters are significantly less satisfied with the potential field of contenders than they were four years ago.

Less than 50 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents give positive marks to the still-in-flux GOP presidential field, down markedly from 2008 when nearly two-thirds said they were happy with that cycle's crop of candidates, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll.
And in another sign no potential candidate has yet to register momentum within the party, only former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney scored in the double digits (16 percent) when likely Republican voters were asked who they would support in the primaries and caucuses. The answer "no opinion" by contrast was the response of 33 percent of respondents, while an additional 12 percent said flatly "no one."

Behind Romney comes perhaps-serious candidate and business mogul Donald Trump at 8 percent, followed by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, at 6 percent and 5 percent respectively.

Several other candidates were at 2 percent or less, including: Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has said he will not run.

The telephone poll was conducted April 14-17 and carries sampling error of 5 points.

soundoff(88 Responses)

I suggest the voting public visit Mississippi before casting a vote for him.

Mexico looks better than MS

April 19, 2011 10:56 am at 10:56 am |

Independent Against Political Games

The republican party has been a big disappointment... As an independent voter, i have a vested interested in doing what's in the best interest for our country, not political parties or political games, or political power... The Republicans have been at their worst and guilty of not working to move our country forward. I see these republican presidential canidates as weak politcial obstructionist... and add donald trump in this pool his even weaker. He is a JOKE.

The only canidate that has a chance at beating Obama... is Mitt Romney.

The rest of this bunch don't appeal to the "center". They are right wingnuts that appeal to people with extreme views and political agendas... They don't attract Americans that want the best for the country... They won't be getting the votes of Independent voters or democrats that lead in the center.

These group of GOP canidents are the "Jokes for Mt. RUSH Limbgurg Moore Mountain"

April 19, 2011 10:56 am at 10:56 am |

Jay Kay, Minneapolis

Now that's what I call a cavalcade of mediocrity!

April 19, 2011 10:57 am at 10:57 am |

Darth Vadik, CA

When your party goal is the bottom of the barrel...

...bottom of the barrel is what you get...

April 19, 2011 10:59 am at 10:59 am |

TEXAN

The Repubs have always been an unhappy lot --- so, what`s new ??????

April 19, 2011 10:59 am at 10:59 am |

ACE

Queue the carnival music where is side show Donald (Trump). Seriously I have never seen a bigger bunch of morons and losers and quiters in my life .

April 19, 2011 11:00 am at 11:00 am |

needNewGov

My God! Just listen to each of them and it instantly becomes clear why people aren't crazy about the line-up. They have no ideas, some have no brains and nobody has really came out with a clear "yes" that they are running. How about Mitch Daniels? At least he seems to tell it like it is.

April 19, 2011 11:01 am at 11:01 am |

BostonianTheWoodlandsTX

Get A Grip

MR. HERMAN CAIN....folks. Check him out. This is the one man that the left does not want to run against Obama because they know HERMAN CAIN will win!

HERMAN CAIN FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!

April 19, 2011 10:52 am at 10:52 am |

=====================

Impressive background,I will be honest.

But didn't you all just try this with Micheal Steele ?

If Mr. Cain were a democrat you'd tell us he has no 'political' experiance huh ?

April 19, 2011 11:03 am at 11:03 am |

keeth in cali

Romney has RomneyCare. Trump is a joke. Sarah is a quitter. Huckabee freed a killer who then killed 4 cops. Pawlenty can't get a recommendation from his own state citizens. Bachmann rewrites history with ignorance. Barbour comes from a state in which 50% of his party think interracial marriages should still be illegal. Ron Paul's time and credibility have passed. Gingrinch is a self-centered, hypocritical, womanizing false-Christian. Chris Christie is short-sighted a thug.

Only Mitch Daniels could beat Obama. But I don't think he has the stomach for the farce and folly of a modern American presidential campaign.

April 19, 2011 11:03 am at 11:03 am |

George Guadiane - Austerlitz, NY

I can't help but believing that Republicans are PLANNING on taking a dive in 2012.
Most of the thinkers are deeply concerned about a Double Dip recession/DEPRESSION.
If Republicans are in control, they will take the much deserved heat. If they are OUT of power, they can continue bashing the solution instead of actually being a part of it.

April 19, 2011 11:04 am at 11:04 am |

Rickster

It doesn't matter. Whoever runs against President Incompetent is going to win. Obama should be more concerned with his upcoming primary challenge from Broom Hillary.

April 19, 2011 11:05 am at 11:05 am |

PalmReader

"Let's see–boring, stupid, or crazy. Which do we want to lead the most powerful country on earth?"

Apparently GOPers aren't all that particular ... and would vote for any one of them, regardless. Look at who so many of them voted for in their own State Elections this past November - most elected were of the same ideological persuasion of those now running (maybe) for President.

April 19, 2011 11:05 am at 11:05 am |

Henry Miller, Libertarian

I wish all the religious nuts like Palin, Bachmann, Huckabee, and Santorum would just go away. Religion is a divisive issue, which is the last thing the GOP needs.